Archives

What I learnt at the Generate Conference

The big question the REACH SA Generate Conference sought to answer was, “How should the church (and how we do church) respond to a changing culture?”

The answer was that we must “make sure we know why we exist and remain faithful to that; and feel free to change the rest.”

We exist to reach non-Christians and grow Christians with the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. That truth is fundamental and unchangeable. How we manage the programmes and processes that go towards that great goal are flexible and changeable.

They will listen

We commenced the conference with a fine exposition by Ray Galea (who was the main speaker) on having an optimistic view of ministry from Isaiah 6.

We were reminded that God is the true King, seated on his throne, who rules over his world. He is high and exalted; and extremely holy. Even the sinless seraphim cannot look at his blazing holiness. Isaiah is immediately overwhelmed by his unworthiness and sinfulness – as we all should be.

God takes the initiative and makes provision for the atonement of Isaiah’s sin. As an atoned for sinner, Isaiah is super-keen to serve God – however and wherever. He says,

“Here I am. Send me”.

God’s assignment to Isaiah is a doomed one. He is to preach, but the people of Judah would not listen:

“Make the heart of this people dull,

and their ears heavy,

and blind their eyes;

lest they see with their eyes,

and hear with their ears,

and understand with their hearts,

and turn and be healed.”

(Isaiah 6:10)

This biblical text may tempt us to have a very pessimistic view of gospel ministry.

It’s crucial to see how the Apostle Paul used this text in Acts 28. Paul is under house arrest and the Jewish leaders in Rome are visiting him and listening to him explain about the “Kingdom of God”. However, most the Jewish leaders refuse to believe. Paul then quotes this text and says that this is exactly what Isaiah said would happen. Paul then adds:

“Therefore, let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.” (Acts 28:28)

Thus, we are authorized to have an optimistic view of gospel proclamation and mission. The nations will listen! (The question is, “Will you go?” – like Isaiah in Isaiah 6)

The Generate Conference looked at the practical implications of having an optimistic view of gospel proclamation and mission.

Planning for growth

I was challenged by the following insightful questions:

Are we planning for growth?

Are we making the most of every sermon – expecting unbelievers to be converted?

Do our various leaders share our vision of reaching non-Christians and growing Christians with the gospel?

Do we have a memorable vision statement that is easily memorable?

Are we building ministry teams around us who share the vision?

Are we communicating our unchanging vision regularly to the church?

Is feedback our friend? Are we open to receiving criticism and suggestions?

Are we reading good books on church growth and organizational structure?